Wednesday, October 08, 2008

From The Perspective Of Our Young People!

by Lauren Kelly

Election 2008 - That phrase can bring with it many thoughts and emotions. Who knew this would be an election of epic proportions? The memories and history of this election season will be with us for years to come. Whether your party affiliation color is red or blue, it’s great to see young people coming together for the cause they believe in. As a 24-year old young woman, I’ve never been more proud to be an American and cast my vote on November 4th. With that said, I’ve never been more proud to be a supporter of the McCain-Palin ticket.

When I think of this ticket many words come to my mind; Honesty, integrity, truthfulness, transparency, and those are just to name a few. This ticket says what they mean and mean what they say, and that is exactly what the younger people who are in support of this amazing dynamic duo are looking for. We’re looking for two people who have nothing but America’s best interest at heart and I wholeheartedly believe we found that in John McCain and Sarah Palin, and I think a lot of other young people would agree with me.

Speaking for my generation, we don’t want people who can’t make up their minds but we want to know exactly where the potential leaders of the free world stand on the issues that matter most to us. Never have I fully realized how important it is for us younger people to let our voices be heard, and now more than ever, we need to put that into practice. A lot is at stake in this election and it’s so important for us to make an informed decision on our own, not based on what other people say, what the media says, but based on our own convictions and what we chose to believe is right and wrong, and then our vote we cast on Nov. 4th will mean all that much more. We’ll cast that vote with pride knowing that we’re supporting a cause greater than ourselves and making a difference in the world for years to come.

42 comments:

Anonymous
said...

As a Christian, I do not see how anyone could support the disgusting tactics now employed by McCain. I previously donated to his campaign. I now will always regret that any of my money went into this xenophobic fear tactics and smearing.

Tami, I was picking up my daughter from school and the man in the car behind me got out and walked over to me and asked wher I bought my McCain/Palin bumper sticker. I told him I had an extra and would bring it tomorrow. Pretty cool huh?

i was a christian, but it's people like sarah palin that robbed all the faith i have left in christianiy. with all the lies and dirty tactics employed by mccain and palin, i am disgusted. i can't see any "christianess" in her. she is fundamentally a hypocrite. and i hope you see the real her.

It is so refreshing to see a web site such as yours Tami. With all the liberal media bashing going on I am glad I tumbled upon your site. This site is a breath of fresh air just like Sarah Palin. I am a Catholic wife, mother, athlete and business owner here in Ohio and I wholeheartedly support the McCain/Palin ticket. They are mavericks, experienced and can shake up Washington. Sarah is awesome, strong, confident, aggressive and yet compassionate, cares about women's issues and has an unbelievable charisma and she can relate and connect with mainstream America. She is making history and she deserves the respect of all women in America. She has a proven record of reform. Not to mention the most popular Governor in America, that says something. She walks the walk and talks the talk. The liberals are going crazy because they don't know how to handle a strong, inteligent woman that is not afraid to say that she opposes abortion and believes in a Culture of Life philosophy. This is why she has my upmost respect. Go Sarah, keep making history. Margaret, Columbus Ohio

Anonymous, I have never known a Christian who believed in the things that Barack Obama stands for, and I find it very hard to believe. Sarah Palin has the guts to stand for what is right, and if you can't see that then I suggest you check your heart. The issues they have been going after are VITAL in this election. What I think, however, is that you are a Democrat coming on here trying to shake things up. We can spot 'em a mile away. Nice try though.

While I am in full support of McCain/Palin, both sides have been far from honest. The back and forth between the two sides has just been politics as usual. Look at Factcheck.org and you'll see what I mean. Every debate and speech is full of half-truths, accusations and wild claims. The average voter would have to do an extensive amount of digging to get the real truth. God knows the media has trouble even giving us that. But thankfully I don't rely on each party's attacks on the other for my vote. I still stand by McCain/Palin because they share my beliefs, values, and hopes for the future of this great country.

Sarah Palin is the woman we pray our daughters will never grow to be!This is the supervisor, man or woman, that we fear most in our lives. The one that plays games with hard hardworking Americans. Games that destroy careers and encourage drama and duplicitous behaviors amongst co-workers. Their cheerleaders prance through the building and pounce on opportunities to babble about respect and leadership qualities.Questioning your reality and challenging your work ethic. The school headmaster or Dean that uses personality or prejudice to wreak havoc on our children's education and emotions. The military commander that disheartens the troops, using rank as a shield for vindictive power and control. The police officer that handcuffs truth and the law because he/she is the one holding the weapon and the keys. The family member that relishes discord and demands loyalty, often not earned, and typically without reciprocity. The feelings of hopelessness and frustration in dealing with this character....or lack thereof, has touched most of us in life. Each of us know that nauseating drive to work. That drive home from the office, palms wet with sweat, steering wheel choked with anger. The embarrassment of our impotence as we cave in, acquiesce, and begin hunting our co-workers. Self preservation now our mantra. It is that racing heart disgust, that will guide my vote. If Sarah Palin could disembowel so many in a frozen community of Eskimos and Elk, imagine the unimaginable abuse possible when she has the tools of the Presidency. Of my Presidency!Palin is an ignorant fraud that enjoys the vulgar. The name calling! The gossip and cowardice.Let her ever answer an unscripted question from a true news outlet. Never! 28 days from a heartbeat away and she is still treated like Special Needs Sarah!

If you or your daughter were raped, do you believe you should be punished by having to pay $1,000 for a rape kit to catch the evil man who committed the crime. You betcha Sarah Palin does as she supported this policy as mayor. This of course discourages women from coming forward and prosecuting. I hope to have a daughter some day and for the sake of protecting her against the serious heinous hate crime of rape I intend to vote against McCain/Palin. I don't know how any woman can support a woman who clearly is against helping other women. She is right about one thing--there is a special place in hell reserved for people like her.

"Anonymous, I have never known a Christian who believed in the things that Barack Obama stands for, and I find it very hard to believe." Well Barack Obama is about to get the votes of millions of Americans. Hopefully more than 50% or whatever it takes to get 270 electors. The vast majority of those voters will consider themselves Christians. Who are you to determine what a Christian is? I doubt if Christ were to come back you would let him into your home. When he fed people you'd tell him he was encouraging the lazy. When he healed people you would try to charge them for the privilege. When he loved everyone you would accuse him of associating with the wicked.

Please don't vote. Please, please don't cancel my thoughtful, considered vote. The vote of an educated person who cares about humanity. The vote of someone who knows when they're being used and lied to. Please don't vote.

The only thing I will say about this is, as a young woman who attempts to be a sincere follower of Jesus, Lauren Kelly's article is filled with ignorance, you are looking at the McCain/Palin campaign in a bias manner. If you are going to take the time to write an article speaking of honesty, integrity, truthfullmess and transparency, please do so as you write. Though, Palin is indeed, something completely different from the usual suspects of D.C, I have not seen a person who can handle the issues America is going through presently. She may be a great mom, even a great person, but because you are those two things, does not make your calling or your job the VP, or the potential President.

As I view their campaign, how they choose to stoop to such low levels to attack Obama/Biden, that speaks volumes about their character and before I hear a counter response of Obama party does it too, think about this, true Christians according to the Bible, good moral people know, because one person behaviors badly, does not give you permission to behave the same way, if you truly want to be different, a 'maverick,' then dont attack personally or call a person "that" in a debate. And apart of the reason why polls are showing a low response to the McCain/Palin are the dishonesty tactics they use to undermine Obama, instead of just focusing on their strengths and a CLEAR CUT PLAN.

Everyone is entitled to express their opinions, but some of the comments and posts on this site are disheartening. Do people really believe that no Christians could believe in what Barack Obama believes? A large percentage of people are BOTH Christian and pro-choice. To decide who to vote for based on this one issue and to do so in the name of Christianity is to ignore all of the other positions the Republican party takes that are against Christian principles. The Democratic party acts to save and protect our great planet, to feed the poor, to give everyone access to doctors, etc. The Republican party consistently acts in favor of personal wealth and at the expense of the poor, which the Bible speaks against. I will never understand how the Republican party became known as the party of "values" when they only seem to value money. Ever notice how they only talk about being "pro-life" or "anti-gay rights" during an election year?

I do not relate at all to Palin. She is inexperienced, unprofessional, and will take women back to the stone ages.

Papasan in Arizona October 9th, 2008 2:20 pm ET

How Palin rates as a good mother is completely ridiculous and hypocritical, she never picks up her new born, teen age un-wed daughter pregnant, and her disturbing megalomaniac love affair with herself. We don’t call that good parenting in the USA. I don’t want my child relating to Sarah Palin, EVER! She doesn’t represent any form of mainstream America and never will.P.S. Gun happy, slang talking, backward hillbilly is not USA’s idea of a Mother…

Connie Osborn October 9th, 2008 2:22 pm ET

I can’t relate to Sarah Palin on any level. I was a supporter of Hillary, not just because she is a woman, but because she is tough, smart, and saavy to the ways of Washington. I could probably carry on a conversation with Gov. Palin, like one of the girls, but I believe the Vice President of the US should be a lot smarter than I am and it does not appear as though that is the case with Gov. Palin.

Janice Tyree October 9th, 2008 2:25 pm ET

No, I cannot relate in a positive way to Sarah Palin. I have listened to Palin and it hasn’t taken me long to come to know she is not the type of person I want representing me and this Country. Since Hillary was not the nominee, after considering both sides, Republicans & Democrats, I have decided that Obama/Biden is the only way to go. The way John McCain and Palin have eluded the issues and spread hate towards Obama it should be criminal, if it isn’t. It is my main concern that McCain/Palin are going to get Obama hurt if someone in the Republican party doesn’t stand up and tell McCain/Palin to get to the issues and leave the hate behind. The McCain/Palin campaign is the most untrue, hateful campaign I have seen in forty-three years.Janice.

Deirdre October 9th, 2008 2:34 pm ET

It’s so nice that these women have found someone who has the same set of values on the issues that they do; but do they think they are qualified to be the next president for our country. I wish they would look at the whole picture and not just their little world.

C,CA October 9th, 2008 2:38 pm ET

I am proud to say that I do not relate to Palin - I have a brain. Palin is a power-crazed moron. She is inciting lunatics at her rallies to threaten Obama’s life and does nothing to stop them. “Golly, ya betcha I wanna kill em too”. Yes, she is certainly the example of a loving mother.

She has some nerve asking who is Barack Obama when she has been around for “5 weeks” and no one is allowed to question her background.

What is this odd church she belongs to? Ceremonies to protect her from witchcraft - They believe we are in the end-of-days - “Joe Six-pack” is actually her husband, who was arrested on a DUI - Abuse of power allegations - Why does she use private email accounts for official business - Why is the husband (another moron) involved in State business? - Why is there no birth record for this poor infant that she slings around like a campaign button? - She is obviously racist and anti-semitic - She does not believe in science (global warming, etc) - Not to mention her backwards thinking anti-women, anti-environmental views.

Oops, sorry. Those are mean, sexist, gotcha journalism, none-of-our-business questions that we are not allowed to ask.

Susan October 9th, 2008 2:43 pm ET

What do I think? I think… do these women? I too am prolife and wish we could provide girls with EFFECTIVE sex education, and bring abortions down to zero, but as prolife I also believe war should be the last alternative and only if it is done to protect one’s country or the rights of greater humanity… did the Iraq war pass that test? No. Did Afghanistan? I say yes. Would World War 3 be a good thing, NO NO NO and Palin and McCain with their bomb bomb bomb Iran and talk of others as axis of evil cartoons, and their serving the profits of the rich who profiteer off of war, do I think they are prolife.. NO. Do I think shooting wolves out of planes and moose as a child for sport, show prolife in someone’s heart where it counts, I say NO. Do I think viscously lying to defame a person based on their being loosely associated with a reformed radical that the government, university employing him and town and community he lives in, even the staunch republicans who fund the charity board they are on, does trying to destroy and lable someone a terrorist and inciting a crowd to have one yell kill him, when it is a man like Obama who has lived a good clean life searching for knowledge and truth and love and being forgiving and kind and helpful to people, is that what I expect a good Christian to do to him.. NO… Sarah Palin is the biggest hypocrite phoney power hungry egomaniac that in my opinion is no good for any woman.. ask the librarian she tried to ruthlessly fire for doing her job, or her opponent for Mayors wife who she dragged through the mud because she, heaven forbid, kept her maiden name…. These women are in laylay land, so they can down their cocktails, or psychotropic drugs, or brainwashing for the uninformed and drink the Sarah Palin coolaid… I don’t relate to them and they embarass me as a woman quite frankly!

Rahni, Connecticut October 9th, 2008 2:51 pm ET

They’re pretty much like her because she is a Alaska redneck and she also incite riots.

Faiz October 9th, 2008 2:58 pm ET

Same way as some people will not vote for Obama or only vote for Obama, there are women who would support Palin regardless. But the woman who knows that McCain voted against equal pay for women many times I doubt will support their ticket. Women who believe in their right to choose, I doubt will support the republican ticket especially Sarah Palin. Also, women are concern about pocket book issues, If I am not wrong, polls are showing that they are moving away from Republican ticket.

Ann October 9th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Not a chance! I’m not a “soccer-mom” married to a “joe six-pack”. I’m a college drop-out returning to school to finish my education & find a respectable place in in this world. When Palin was announced as McCain’s VP pick I, like everyone else, was excited to learn about this intriguing female politician. I watched her first network interview with Charles Gibson & by the end of it I was confused. Palin didn’t seem to have strong answers & started her infamous trend of filibustering. Then, of course, were the even more infamous interviews with Couric. Moreover, Palin hasn’t done enough interviews as most political figures running for office normally would. Then McCain “suspends” his campaign leaving questions as to why Palin can’t be trusted to handle the campaign. Bottom line: American’s need reassurance and we need to restore our reputation as a great leading nation. These past eight years have been a disaster and we can’t afford anymore incompetent leaders. Don’t get me wrong, I actually like Palin , but she’s more of a great small-town, local, politician. McCain should have done more vetting when selecting his running mate & Palin is irresponsible for accepting the VP position which she is extremely unqualified to fill. There is no chance I would trust her folksy, cute, clueless perspective to lead our nation. McCain almost had my vote, but has sealed one for Barack Obama.

Leigh October 9th, 2008 3:04 pm ET

Sure I can relate to Sarah the way these women do. But can I vote to put her in a position that’s a heart beat away from the presidency? Heavens no!

suki October 9th, 2008 3:05 pm ET

I cannot relate to Sarah Palin in any way shape or form - I do not support anything she stands for - she has done nothing for the cause of women breaking through the glass ceiling

Palin is small town and small minded - she is divisive - her disdain for knowledge and the world around her is palpable

The venom she spews at her rallies does not speak for me - she is a ntional disgrace

I don’t hate her - I simply don’t agree with her - she is unqualified to be on a national ticket and her record speaks for itself

Lynne Meece October 9th, 2008 3:16 pm ET

I am a former hockey mom who lived in Alaska for a few years. Granted, I have not been a mayor or a governor. However, I am a registered nurse and know how to budget. I don’t understand how anyone who promotes family values can support the Palin/McCainticket. What about her small special needs son? This is the prime bonding time between infant and mother. I would think that a special needs child would require even more bonding. Who is taking care of him while Sarahcuda is out campaigning? And what about her pregnant teenage daughter? This is a time when she will need her mother more than ever. How can Ms. Palin possibly give her the support she needs? I don’t understand how anyone can even remotely believe that she is ready to run this country, my country, if God forbid, something should happen to Senator McCain.

Jacqueline October 9th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I live in Florida. I am a Christian. I am a woman. I couldn’t be less supportive of Palin’s candidacy.

I am appalled by Sarah Palin’s lack of credentials, and more importantly by her general lack of knowledge on foreign and domestic issues and her inability to articulate the positions and proposed policies of her ticket.

She is all style and no substance, and her recent forays into attack politics combined with her failure to cooperate with the ethics investigation in her home state says to me that this is a dangerous person that I most definitely don’t want representing me or my country.

kristen October 9th, 2008 3:21 pm ET

I think that it is awful the way Palin has turned this presidential race so ugly. How can these so-called “deeply religious” women support someone who is so filled with hate?

All she does is rant and rave her hatred of everything, and stir up an impressionable crowd to the point where they could become a dangerous mob. What is wrong with her?

Maureen / Newman, California October 9th, 2008 3:29 pm ET

McCain is an idiot. He could have chosen a competent woman, but instead chose this incompetent, dishonest, ignorant, narrowminded, religious fanatic. I have nothing against religion. What I am against are people like Sarah Palin that have the same exact views as terrorist leaders. They believe that the ENTIRE country should abide by their own religious rules. This is wrong and this is exactly why Religion and State must be kept separate. Palin’s experience has shown her incompetence. Building an ice rink on land that did not belong to the city, and ended up costing much more than she estimated because of this legal problem. Building the road to nowhere costing millions. Lying about her position of the bridge to nowhere. Troopergate remains to be seen, but any honest person would not dodge a subpoena and demand that her employees and husband also dodge their subpoenas. The troopergate investigation was initiated by a Republican and before Palin was chosen as McCain’s running mate.

There is a reason Palin’s approval rating is so low. Palin is completely underqualified for the job. Even many Republicans admit this. But I think that Palin’s extremeist views just add insult to injury. Unfortunately there will always be ignorant, narrowminded people that will vote for someone like Palin ONLY because they share her twisted views, and not at all because of her qualifications.

Lisa from NC October 9th, 2008 3:32 pm ET

Absolutely not! I can not relate to these women. I am pro-choice, I am for embryonic stem cell research, I do not feel ,as they do, that it is my place to force religion into someone’s life-it is a personal decision— I am not afraid of science and progress. I embrace it. They are so limited by what the Bible says to them. Of course, I think that so much of the Bible is taken out of context and not viewed for what it was meant to be. If these hardcore religious women really studied the life of Jesus, they would realize that he would have been on my side of the aisle. I honestly believe that if Jesus came back to today and saw all that was being done in his name, he would never stop puking.

Aside from the religion issue, I think they are snowed by Palin’s narcissism. She is great at making people think she is just an ordinary “good ole girl”, wonderful mom….Dig a little deeper and you see what is underneath Palin’s facade. I pose one question to the Moms for Palin– If she cares so much and is such a wonderful mom, then why in the world did she focus the national spotlight on two of her children who are struggling with some very personal issues? Palin understands the personal scrutiny in the political arena and to choose this VP path, knowing that it would focus negative attention on her children is just unfathomable. Personally, I think she used the children and their issues for her political gain ,but that’s just my opinion.

michelle October 9th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I do not agree. Sarah Palin is a disgrace to women. She is used to getting her way with flirtations and jokes that are unprofessional and have been a detriment to working women. It will be harder to be taken seriously as a woman at work since she has blatantly flirted, winked and acted “cutesy” to get ahead and deal with matters and issues.

As far as her son with down syndrome and supporting their children that get pregnant young - big whoop - parents have been doing it for ages and no body has seen them as brave or noble. Sarah Palin is not special in the least way.

She embarrasses me as a woman.

Jan from Wood Dale IL October 9th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

I can not relate to Sarah Palin on all of the social issues, but as a small business owner I understand what it takes to juggle the great demands of running a business as well as the greater demands of having a family.

Since Gov. Palin indicated she had placed Alaska’s budget online, I found her fiscal plan quite realistic. Her fiscal plan is based on 3 principes — saving for the future, living within our means and controlling government spending and ramping up resource development. Her fiscal plan focuses on investment in core services and constitutionally mandated state responsibilities.

Aren’t those the same goals we should have in our federal government? I am so tired of our current Congress and executive administration who just throw money at a problem without considering the objectives and having a stable plan not only for now but for our future. Those are my reasons for relating to Sarah Palin.

Mindy Chatsworth, Ca. October 9th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

I have about as much in common with Sarah Palin as the man in the moon. She could be living on another planet as far as I am concerned.

I find her calculating, cunning and ambitious but sorely lacking in basic intelligence and analytical skills and reasoning. She is ignorant, pure and simple. Her views on abortion are repugnant to me. The very idea that this woman thinks that abortion should be banned even in the case of rape or incest, shows her blatant insensitivity and callousness. Her belief in creationism and rejection of scientific fact is another reason for me to disrespect her.

I have nothing in common with her, except the same chromosome. Yes, I borrowed that one from the estimable Gloria Steinem. But it is quite true. She has become a hatchet woman in this campaign, willing to do McCain’s dirtiest work. I honestly don’t know how she sleeps at night, but people who are as blindly steeped in religion as she is, seem to have no qualms about anything they do or say. After all, they can always fall back on the copout that this is “God’s work” or it’s their faith or morals. Anything to justify the vilest of attacks on a good and decent man like Barack Obama.

I am embarrassed and disgusted by Sarah Palin. It is my sincere hope that after the election and what I pray is a resounding defeat for the Republicans, she will go back to Alaska and take a long walk on the road to nowhere.

Lesley October 9th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

I don’t relate to Governor Palin. Her winks and sarcasm turn me off. She is feigning expertise she doesn’t have and pushing herself into a position that is way over her head. Her unscripted interviews show how little she knows about the world she lives in. Her views are narrow minded and dogmatic, she fires and replaces anyone who doesn’t agree with those views, she tried to ban books from the library as one example. Her religious views are extreme right in my view, telling parishoners we are fighting God’s war in Iraq and to pray for a $30 billion pipeline but their hearts have to be pure or they wont’ get one, her pastor laying on hands and praying over her making her the governor, please. She claims to be pro life but has no problem authorizing the shooting of animals from helicopters and pulling baby wolves from their dens and shooting them in the head. Alaska is a large wilderness and surely there are more humane ways to separate the population. Trying to save the caribou for what purpose, so that she and her friends can shoot them? And the hatred she is spewing at the campaign stops, saying Obama doesn’t like his counry and is palling around with terrorists is making those supporters think Obama is a terrorist himself. They call him terrorist and shout out kill him from the audience. She is helping to put his life in danger trying to win an election. The Republicans sound like a terrorist organization, inciting people to riot. She doesn’t have a brain in her head. No, I don’t like Palin at all.

mona October 9th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

No, I can’t relate to Sarah Palin the way these women do. Although I believe it’s commendable that Palin would follow through on having her down’s syndrome child and her daughter chose life instead of abortion (I would hope I would have influence on my daughters to do the same), I do not believe that we as a society should have a say what other women do. It is their choice. We (Sarah and I) fundamentally disagree over this so therefore there is no relation. I do not agree with her on global warming. We as a global society have a direct affect on the gases, emissions, etc… released into the air. We have more cars on the roads not just here but China, Korea, Russia, etc…..Fundamentally disagree. Also, I happen to think the VicePresident of the United States should be able to speak intelligent. She has a journalism degree for crying out loud. What’s with the “lingo” she’s using. That is so unprofessional. My two cents.

Ken October 9th, 2008 3:51 pm ET

It is my impression that the only qualification, any more, for being a feminist is if you are “pro-choice”. It is my impression that a women’s success in the public arena will have to include being “pro-choice” or you become disqualified for any accolades. Who narrowed the definition? Where is the support for a woman being successful simply because? Why the agressive hate? I don’t know any person that could keep a “fan base” after these weeks of derogatory articles and negative media programs. It certainly has been a black eye against the American women. Much of the media has appeared to be sexist in their attack on Sarah Palin.

Kerry October 9th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Put me into the camp who can’t stand Sarah Palin.

I find the fact that she put her daughter’s pregnancy in the world-wide spotlight unforgivable. That poor girl has a tough enough road ahead of her as a teenage mother without being submitted to public scrutiny. Any rumors about her son’s parentage could have been stopped by having her health records or the baby’s birth certificate made available. Why drag her daughter into it further?

Having worked with special needs children for 17 years now, I know how much time and energy it takes to get them the services they need. Being the Vice President of the United States of America is more than just being a “working mom” who can multi-task. That baby deserves to have her full attention and presence in his life. She needs to be available to work with the therapists he’ll be working with in the next few years.

Her refusal to admit that she was unprepared for her first tv interviews is just dishonest. Of course she was successful on the later fox interviews…she had had time to prepare to answer questions asked previously. National leaders don’t get “do-overs” on the world stage.

Her “folksy” talk and all the winks turn me off. When she just speaks on the issues, the nasal twang and “cuteness” disappears and she actually comes across as intelligent. Why reduce yourself to being “cute” rather than show people you might actually know what you’re talking about.

The mud-slinging innuendos have been the final straw for me, and the fact that she delivers many of them with a coy little smile reminds me of the “mean girls” in high school who smiled as they stabbed people in the back. Tell the voters facts on the issues and let us decide who to vote for.

I would love to have a woman in the white house someday…just not one like Sarah Palin.

Roxie October 9th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

I can’t relate to Sarah Palin. I’m too intelligent, too inclusive, devote myself to empowering people, not judging and condemning them. We are the United States and the conservative right seems to put its energy into creating the Divided States.

,Barbara-Dalton Ga October 9th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

There is no way I can relate to Sara P. If I ever stood up before a group winked and referred to a class of men as JOE 6 PACK, I would not need to be told to clean out my desk, I would have already done so and considered this address as my swam song. Since she takes a large leap with many facts, I would not consider her really a deeplyreligious person, most people that I know that are very religious wouldnever take such liberties they honestly try to live a life as pure ashumanly possible.

April M Dorsey October 9th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

As a patriot Palin Scares me to death. As an environmentalist she is even more appalling and as a humanitarian and even as a supporter of hunters and fisherman everywhere, myself included, I would like to suggest we all get together quickly! I would like to see all of get together and dress Sarah Palin in a wolf costume for Halloween and turn her loose in Alaska! I think it would be what is best for our great nation!

pat napolitano October 9th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I grew up poor and and no way could I relate to S. Palin. I have read a great deal about her record in Alaska which was presented falsly from the start. She did not sell the plane on e-bay, she did accept earmarks (road to nowhere) her husband was and may still be in a group wanting to separate Alaska and make it independent from the US. She was for the bridge and if she did not like it why didn’t she send the money back. Does Mc Cain and Palin think people cannot check facts. She wants to take women’s rights away and if she could, she would control the reading material in libraries. I grew up the hard way and I can spot a phoney in a minute and she is a big one.

nerakami, Miami October 9th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

It’s truly a matter of character and integrity. This woman has introduced herself to America with a barrage of negative attacks, lies, deception and happens to be under investigation for abuse of power.

The most disgusting aspect of this lady is her claims of christianity and has so far behaved in the most anti-God ways. No tolerance, no compassion, no kindness… nothing closely in line with the qualities of Christ.

When Sarah Palin stood on the convention floor and mocked community organizers, she lost my vote. My mom was a community organizer, she ran a food bank out of our church basement. Who pulled the stranded off roofs during Katrina? Community organizers, who'd gotten in thier boats and made a difference rather than relying on a failed government.

This election has been a deep spiritual struggle for me. I am pro-life, yet my very commitment to pro-life issues also convicts me to believe that health care is the right of every American. My patroitims urges me to acknowledge that a woman unable to talk sucinctly about Supreme Count decisions and the bailout, should not be in poximity to the football.

I have more in common with Sarah Palin than I have ever had with any other political candidate. I, too, was raised in the Assembly of God. I, too, am a working mother of young kids. I, too, am a passionate beleiver. But the same Jesus that called on us to "love your enemy" cannot support mockery from the national convention. The God that calls on us to be truthful cannot possibly support half truths and blatent lies while the candidate claims the name of Jesus.

I've finally come to conculsion that it is impossible to play this political game and maintain personal integrity. With all the smears coming from the McCain campagin these days, I'd say that one can't be a presidental candidate and be living up to the ideals that God has set for us Christians.

all i have to say is most of you are fooled in thinking she can handle Washington..you really think she can shake up washington...anyway, i get appalled everytime i see folks use religion to choose their president..what if they are dumbnut..i think mccain is prolly the only smart guy in this campaign and then biden. i wish it was mccain/biden ticket.nevertheless, sarah palin is not qualified yet, but doesn't mean she can't become VP at some point but not now...on a side note, i pity your kids because when the rest of the country is going forward [faster than you can think] your kids are still behind in stone ages...

I can't understand that some folks will turn a blind eye to the obvious lack of qualifications Gov. Palin has.

John McCain is 72 years old with a history of cancer. He would have a one in four chance of dying in office. I hate to imagine Gov. Palin in a showdown with Vlad Putin. It would be worse than putting a bunny in a cage with a hungry python.

There are lots of other women (even christians) more qualified than Gov. Palin to be president. Why didn't McCain choose one of them?

I am a Christian and believe we all have the right to be individuals and respect each other's opinions. That is what America is about. I live in Alaska and am not voting for Mcain/Palin. There is a lot more to Palin than meet the eye. Her popularity in her home state has decreased dramatically. Again, I respect anyone's right to vote for her as they should respect my right not to! She followed one of the worst Governors that Alaska had seen in years, Murkowski. That is the main reason she won. She has lied about many things in the media. Those not from Alaska would have idea. SHe is a great mom but did you all know she went in to labor in Tx and her water broke. SHe was aware her baby had downs and she lied to TSA agent to get on the plane, flying home putting her SN baby at great risk. Her father was quoted saying she did this because she could never have a baby in Texas. She would never live that down. Anyway...lets all remember we are on the same team. We are Americans. GOd Bless ALL of us know matter what our opinions may be.

I feel so sorry for the women who believe that a vote for Sarah Palin is a vote for a better America. Like you, Sarah Palin has absolutely no understanding of the complex issues this world faces. And, like you, she celebrates this ignorance and in so doing becomes your champion. You don't care if she can answer a simple question that every serious VP candidate since the dawn of this country could easily deal with. Her ignorance makes you feel comfortable and safe - you know that you would not have to acknowledge your own ignorance in her presence. She would make you feel good. She would hug you and you would feel like your lives were important because she seems to have the same labels you do - Mom, wife, conservative - and she might be important. Her lack of curiosity about the world reflects your own - and again, makes you feel safe. Your support for her says so much about you - so much that you can't even begin to understand.

"I have never known a Christian who believed in the things that Barack Obama stands for, and I find it very hard to believe"

-TamiSuggesting that someone isn't really a Christian because they don't support Palin/McCain - this is the kind of non-Christian exclusion that is going to defeat you. Hate to tell you Tami - but there are an awful lot of God fearing, church going Christians out there who are in full suport of Mr. Obama. Maybe they don't count for you because a lot of them are African American. "You're not a REAL Christian unless you believe all the things I believe" - I really wonder how Jesus would feel about that. I'm always so impressed by the people who think they know the truth - and thus are fully capable of judging anyone they don't agree with. Judge not lest ye be judged goes right out the window when it doesn't suit your needs, doesn't it Tami? The Bible is your tool and you'll use it how you please. Good luck with your website Tami - I'll happily never visit it again - I'm sure you can put it to good use after the election - maybe selling those t-shirts to help raise money for Sarah's legal defense.

ps - you're kind of fat (I thought as long as we're all judging each other here...)

I don't agree with McCain's "help big business at the expense of the taxpayer" approach to every problem. Under Bush, and it would continue with McCain, the middle class is shrinking--fast.

If you have never been to a country without much middle class, please believe me--it's terrible. Anyone who has anything has to hire bodyguards for themselves and their children and live behind walls and fences because the poor are so desperate and so angry.

This is a turning point in America. ALL the candidates are Christians.

One of them is a brave man who was a terrible pilot:There are dozens of places if you google key words. Here is one:http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1571/is_11_16/ai_61361646

John McCain was a very reckless pilot, according to his compatriots. Please read up on his military career. Please. The heroics are real. But so is this.

He is the son and grandson of four star Admirals whose influence got him into the Naval Academy without the academic record it usually takes. He graduated 894th in a class of 899 at the Naval Academy. His academic record was awful.

And now he has chosen a running mate who is categorically, completely, and obviously unqualified to be Commander in Chief of this nation.

There is continuous polling of voters in the service. It's running around 70% Obama now. They are terrified of a military under her command. So am I.

As for the board that Obama and Ayers were both on:Annenberg was a philanthropic billionaire. He wanted to improve Chicago area schools. He sought recommendations on making a large gift to American public schools from his pro bono education advisors (That board of fifteen people included Ayers, a professor at a Chicago area University.)

Then, the founding Board of Directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge as announced in 1995 were:[39]

Patricia Albjerg Graham Barack Obama, civil rights attorney at Davis, Miner, Barnhill & Galland; lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School; member of the board of directors of the Joyce Foundation and the Woods Fund of Chicago; winner, Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40 award, 1993; former president of the Harvard Law Review (1990–1991); former executive director of the Developing Communities Project (June 1985–May 1988)[25][40][41][42] Stanley O. Ikenberry, president of the University of Illinois (1979–1995); member of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago (1983–1995); former professor of education (1965–1971) and senior vice president (1971–1979) of Pennsylvania State University Arnold R. Weber, president of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago (1995–1999); member of the board of directors of the Arie and Ida Crown Memorial and the Tribune Company; former president of Northwestern University (1985–1994) and the University of Colorado (1980–1985); professor of labor economics and friend and colleague of George P. Shultz at MIT, the University of Chicago, and in the Nixon administration[43] Ray Romero, vice president and general counsel of Ameritech; Chicago School Finance Authority board member (appointed in 1992 by Governor Jim Edgar); candidate in the 1996 Democratic primary for the 5th Congressional District of Illinois; winner, Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40 award, 1991; former Illinois Commerce Commission commissioner (appointed in 1985 by Governor Jim Thompson); former civil rights attorney as Midwest regional director of MALDEF where he was lead counsel for Hispanic plaintiffs in the 1985 Chicago ward remap[42][44] Wanda White, executive director of the Community Workshop on Economic Development; former policy director of the Women's Self-Employment Project; former deputy commissioner of economic development under Chicago Mayors Washington, Sawyer and Daley Susan Crown, president of the Arie and Ida Crown Memorial; vice president of Henry Crown & Company; daughter of Lester Crown[45] Handy Lindsey, Jr., executive director (1988–1997) then president (1997–2003) of the Field Foundation of Illinois; former associate director of the Chicago Community Trust (1986–1988)

The final Board of Directors of the Chicago Annenberg Challenge in 2001 were:[46]

Patricia Albjerg Graham Barack Obama Edward Bottum, managing director of Chase Franklin Corp.; former president and vice chairman of Continental Illinois Bank[47] Connie Evans, founder and president of the Women's Self-Employment Project Susan Blankenbaker Noyes, former labor attorney at Sidley & Austin; daughter of Republican former Indiana state senator Virginia Murphy Blankenbaker; goddaughter of Patricia Albjerg Graham[48] Scott C. Smith, president, CEO and publisher of the Chicago Tribune; former president, CEO and publisher of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel of Fort Lauderdale; former chairman of the South Florida Annenberg Challenge Nancy Searle, consultant to the Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust Victoria Chou, dean of the College of Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago John W. McCarter, Jr., president and CEO of the Field Museum Jim Reynolds, Jr., co-founder, chairman and CEO of Loop Capital Services

Get it?

It was not a small group. Not intimate and pal-around friendly fun times. It was formed to inform a man who wanted to give money to schools.

I KNOW you can all imagine Sarah in your living rooms in a way you can't imagine Barack Obama. But PLEASE use you intellects on this, not just your faith and your desire to "relate" to our leaders.

Being the writer of this letter I felt the need to respond to this and was happy to see people voice their opinion on this. What I really don't get is why the Obama supporters (which I completely respect)chose to come to this site and when they do they bash the supporters of McCain-Palin, which is the whole reason why this site was created. Everyone's views are welcomed here but what happened to people respectfully dicussing their views no matter your party affiliation. Somehow during all this, that got tossed out the window. So can we all agree to disagree peacefully?

Lauren - you are right. You may vote for and support whomever you wish. I just wish people such as you would put a little more research into your choices. It seems that political decisions are made based on whom you deem "more Christian" and nothing else. Sarah Palin is in no way, shape, or form ready to be in the White House. And "honesty, integrity, truthfulness" to describe the Republican campaign? WOW, are you kidding me? NO ONE, and I mean NO ONE who actually looks at the facts can say McCain has been honest. Please - you do NOT represent young voters. Vote for whomever you want, and whomever you think will be the better people to get our country back on track. But just because someone claims to have Christian values - DOES NOT MAKE THEM QUALIFIED TO BE PRESIDENT.

I know I won't change your mind. Or my parents minds. But God, I wish I could.

I don't know if I'm an idealist, but it would be nice to see people vote on the issues rather than how they feel about a particular candidate. You say you're voting for McCain/Palin based on a vague list of personality traits. Is it me or are presidential elections more like high-school popularity contests? Pick a candidate based on the issues, not on who you would like as a friend better. 90% of this site, especially the later posts, seem dedicated to vague ideas with no substinative backing.

I saw this blog from a news report and all supporters of this blog need to hear my point of view: If each American casts a vote that is based on our individual preferences, we will get no-where. Votong based on personal preference is not progressive and is downright scary. I admire your faith and your commitiment as moms, but I beleive that the Republican party chose Sarah Palin to sucker in women just like you. I feel sorry for the Palins because the Republicans are using her to get female votes. My point is this: I am pro-life, but I will always vote pro-choice. I enjoy shooting guns too, but I will always vote for strict gun laws. My vote is progressiva and beneficial for the common good, not selfish. Its like paying taxes: I'd rather not, but I will pay more if it means better schools and security for you and I. My personal choices are not necessarily beneficial for the common good and by voting selfishly, we would do nothing for the benefit of the country. On the news, someone in your group said that they like Sarah because they feel like she could come into their home and have "snacks" with them. You don't need to have a personal connection with a VP candidate, you don't even need to like them. You just need to know who is best for the job. You need to want to have snacks with your friends and family. If I voted for Obama because I can relate to Joe Biden since I am a white male, that would be a recist and sexist thing to do. I feel that 'moms4palin' is gender biased. If she is the best candidate, great. But if she is not, she needs to lose and that is ok. You have a strong Christian faith and therefore should not need a hero to feel connected to. This is not high school. You don't need Sarah Palin to be a symbol of female empowerment for you. You are all strong on your own. Please don't fall victim to what the Republican party wants you to do. They desperately need your vote to keep this country seperated and to beat the Democrats. Then what? She would then need to learn how to do a job that she is simply not qualified to do. If you owned a company, would you hire your best friend to be your CEO just because you like them? I'd bet you'd hire someone who can actually perform the task at hand. I am not a Democrat, so I am not imposing a liberal point of view on you. I am just telling you that if moms vote for SP and white dudes vote for Joe B and black guys vote for Obama and stubborn old white men vote for McCain, then we will get no-where. Please look beyond gender and personal connections and look at credentials. You seem intelligent and therefore know very well that Sarah Palin is only qulaified to be a Governor at best. Just because she shares YOUR views and has been hired to get mom votes does not make her a good choice for VP. Please do not vote for the wrong reason. If you are moms, please set an example for your kids and show them that respecting others is more valuable than voting for someone just because you feel like you could have snacks with them. This is not the PTA. If Sarah Palin becomes our VP, it would be a great accomplishment in terms of women's rights. But what about the US being left with a VP who does not know what to do with such a job? I do not hate Sarah Palin and I will not form any emotional attachment to any candidate because I vote for us, not me. Pleaae do the same for the sake of the common good. Please vote for Sarah Palin if you beleive she is the best person for the job and not because you hate democrats and need to make a point. You will still be a strong, proud, Christian mom regardless of who is in the White House. Therefore, lets make sure we make the right choice for the right reason. Thank you.

Are pro choice and homosexuality the only Christian moral values? How about- Thou shalt not fornicate, thou shalt not steal, thou shalt not make false accusations, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt love your neighbor as yourself. The republicans don't seem to value any of those other values. For example,How about Sarah Palin's fornicating daughter, McCain stealing to give more to the wealthy, So In conclusion those who vote for republicans in the name of upholding christian values are like the pharisees that Jesus despised. So get on your knees and repent you vipers ..

McCain looked terrible in the last debate. He screwed the pooch. What's up with a massive bailout for mortgages for people who had no business getting a loan in the first place? He is veering to the left of Obama.

Sarah Palin is an embarrassment to all intelligent females. I am a conservative mother who would hate know that my 17 year old was pregnant out of wedlock. She needs to be at home supervising her other children to make sure that they do not get pregnant as well. I do not believe in abortion so I do commend her on that. Because she is on the ticket I would never vote for John Mcain

I don't think anyone in their right mind should vote for Palin or should I say MCCAin for that matter. They are the living epidemy of what Bush has put us through. Many people are basing their votes on everything except on what is really important--OUR ECONOMY. Listen to what these candidates are saying or proposing!! I honestly don't believe MCCain/Palin would be a good fit for our ecionomy as well as our country. Their plan is totally unclear and out of touch.

YOU "GIRLS" ARE THE PRIME EXAMPLE THAT THIS COUNTRY "MUST" CREATE MORE OF A DESIRE FOR EDUCATION. YOUR REASONS ARE SILLLY PLUS YOU DON'T EVEN UNDERSTAND WHO OR WHAT YOUR VOTING FOR. YOUR GOING TO BE EMBRASSED WHEN YOU LOOK BACK ON YOUR 15 SECONDS OF FAME YOU GOT AND WHAT YOU SAID.

I just finished watching the CNN interview with women who strongly support Palin, and there was a focus on this blog. As a 16 year old girl living in Virginia, I have been exposed to both sides of this election. I'm responding to the article about the youth of America getting involved because that is exactly what I do--I have campaigned for two Cogressional, one Senate, and one Presidential race. My time spent on the phones with voters from all over the state has shown me how easy it is for voters to settle for less than what they are due. Too many people take their facts from attack ads and biased reports, and not enough bother to educate themselves on how the candidates stand on the truly important issues. Which is why I say this: The McCain campaign has fabricated more lies and fed more garbage to the American people than any other campaign in recent history. It is a testament to how scary their tactics are that, at a recent rally, VOTERS were chanting "Kill him!" when Sarah Palin began attacking Obama. And the "liberal media" that is said to be attacking HER has in fact been sitting in the pockets of the Bush administration for the past 8 years, looking away when scandal after scandal comes to light (No one asked the hard questions when Powell was standing before the UN, no one asked what the consequences would be when almost unchecked power was given to the President to command an army into war, even in a time of peace). The fact that they are just now asking hard questions has nothing to do with a bias against Sarah Palin, but is rather a hopeful sign that maybe journalists are once again doing their jobs. The Dow is falling by 100s of points daily: is that really what it takes for people to begin to sit up, pay notice, and hold their politicians responsible? I have hope, but apparently even that is not enough. While I admire the feminism of this blog, I have to say that having Sarah Palin in the White House frightens me: the campaign tactics that she has helped to create have been looked down upon even by the likes of Karl Rove. She's only owned a passport for a year! Personally, I want a knowledgeable and worldly traveler to be taking over the foreign affairs of my country, especially at a time when we are fighting two wars and have troops on nearly every continent. Finally, I respect the opinions of the women who were interviewed on CNN this evening, but I have one last bone to pick: Tami, you said that you were struck by the way Sarah Palin made one feel that you could sit down at the table with her and have a real conversation, how she seemed like someone you could understand and see yourself in. Do you really want a President like that? Because Palin could end up as President of the United States of America quite easily, considering the age and health of her running mate. As someone too young to vote, when I think of a potential leader for my country, I want someone whose intelligence is so far beyond my own, I can't even begin to comprehend how they think. I want them to see the response before they have even made a move, and I want them to understand the cause and effect of their actions on a scale that I wouldn't even be able to imagine. I want a President whose intellect outstrips every citizen for whom he or she serves. Isn't that what you want? You are putting your country, life, liberty, THE FREE WORLD, into the hands of this person. Don't you want to know you have chosen the smartest, wisest person for the job?

Also - it would be really great if there was some sort of response to this from someone who disagrees with my opinion. I think it's that back-and-forth that makes political progress happen, and too often people are just shut down by the possibility that someone else disagrees. So please, if you have a response, make it. I am really interested to hear how people stand on the other side of these issues. Thanks!

MCCAIN proposed plan will have an adverse affect on Americans especially the middleworking class. I can not understand how many hard working women of America can stand tall and actually say they are voting for Sarah Palin. Has anyone sat back and LISTEN to her interviews? She doesn't have a clue as to what is going on. I think she is better off running for Miss America. Many women are voting for her because she is pretty or just because she's a women. Well Guess what America? its the OBAMA/BIDEN campaign that is pushing for equal pay for equal work. Come on Americans, Palin doesn't know much about even her counterpart MCCAIN. Any question that is asked of her she simply goes around it, changes it, or generalize it with no clear answer or specificity. I beleive in America and I believe that all Americans will go out and vote for CHANGE. We can not afford four or even eight more years of pain.

Let's come together as Americans, regardless of race, color, and gender and really make sense of everything. Let's not let anything such as race or age determine your vote. It should be about our underlining issue of the economy along with our values and beliefs. I am an independent voter who belief in change, a change that will help working class Americans such as myself. Honestly, I believe Obama/Biden would be a great fit for our country.

Remember ONE NATION under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Let's come together as a nation and make this Change.

It just my opinion, but I HONESTLY believe if Jesus were here and voting (if He really cared at all about the political process) he'd care alot more about education, health care, and peace across our world than this amazing "patriotic" obsession with guns, war, oil, and narrowminded, hostile xenophobia.

He lived his entire live promoting inclusion, compassion, and tolerance for others. Remember the Good Samaritan? That was a parable about displaying empathy and kindness toward an enemy, or at the very least someone different from you.

It sure seems to me that since Palin's debut at the RNC all I've heard about is War, Guns, Drill Baby Drill... and dont even get me started with the NASTY undertones and references to terrorism and an outright persecution of all things different from "America" (ie. if fellow Americans have different skin color or religious beliefs (Jews are OK but any Muslim by definition is despicable).

It is clear to me that the Republican party promotes fear and unhealthy nationalism at the expense of compassion, inclusion, and hope. I'm more than open to examples where that's not true but I sure havent heard a platform that comes close to caring about ANYONE but 'patriotic' white people that look and act just like you do. One look at the demographic of the attendees at the RNC or any rally should be a wakeup call to anyone looking for diversity and inclusion.

Tolerance anyone?

Scott H (and BTW I'm a midwestern white guy who USED to be a Republican and is now proudly voting Obama)

I have been a registered voting Democrat for 24 years.I will be voting for McCain over Obama this year not Obama over Palin.I have noticed most of you have forgottenwho is running at the top of the tickets.

Now tell me why us dems should be voting for Obama. He has done what,when and where?

If on the job training is okay for Obama then it will be just fine forPalin,Right?

I live in the most democratic county in the state and I can tell you that some of the most ardent dems are going McCain.

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This policy is valid from 01 September 08.This blog is a personal blog written and edited by me, Tami Nantz, and occasionally a guest blogger. In absolutely NO way do we represent Governor Sarah Palin, Sarah PAC, or any other official Sarah Palin political entity. This blog will gladly accept forms of cash advertising, sponsorship, paid insertions or other forms of compensation if those offered are not in contrast with the ideas presented here. You may contact Tami Nantz via this blog for further information. The compensation received will never influence the content, topics or posts on this blog. All current advertising is in the form of advertisements that are generated by a third party ad network. Those advertisements are identified as paid advertisements, and unfortunately often do NOT reflect the positions presented on this blog. The owner(s) of this blog are not compensated to provide commentary. The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the bloggers' own. We will always identify quotes, sources and links, and encourage you to follow those to discover the sources for yourself.